Public Policy

• Public Policy issues
• Transportation
• Business growth and regulation
• Education and workforce
• Land use and development
• Economic development
• Policital activity
• Endorsements
• Political Action Committee
• Advocacy Toolkit
• Legislative contact info
• Regional Business Plan
• PNITA
• Reports & Studies

Trade Policy Committee

The Trade Policy Committee works to build consensus on trade matters to convey them to lawmakers and regulators on issues affect the Pacific Northwest trade community. Its programs include hosting government and business leaders, drafting and reviewing trade legislation, and sponsoring trade luncheons and breakfast programs.

Chair: Walt Evans, Partner, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
Vice Chair: Monica Isbell, President, Starboard Alliance Company

Fiscal Year 2007 Statement of Transportation Policy Positions

2006 Statement of Trade Policy Positions

Trade Negotiations: PNITA supports trade negotiations through both the World Trade Organization and Free Trade Agreements. We believe that progress in the WTO Doha Round is critical to reducing trade-distorting agriculture subsidies and tariffs on all goods and services. In particular, we support a significant reduction in U.S. ag subsidies if it is reciprocated by our trading partners - principally the EU and Japan - and leads to more market access across the board for American goods and services. Negotiators should also work to reach a global agreement on trade-distorting policies related to sugar and cotton. Reaching such an agreement will help advance other FTA negotiations and enhance our international relationships with developing countries.

PNITA supports efforts to reach bilateral FTAs with trading partners who are willing to commit to further liberalization. With the importance of trade between the Pacific Northwest and countries throughout Asia, we place particular emphasis on the objective of completing and approving an FTA with Thailand.

China: Pacific Northwest companies rely on a healthy and vibrant trading relationship with China. One of the fundamental underpinnings of a healthy relationship is an adherence to the rules with which we have jointly agreed. We urge a vigorous, coordinated and focused effort to hold China accountable to the commitments they made as a condition of joining the WTO. This includes rules governing the protection of intellectual property, investment, and transparency of government procedures.

While it is important that the U.S. insist upon Chinese compliance with these rules, we caution against broad, sweeping initiatives that disrupt our complex trading relationship. Such is the case with the revaluation of the yuan. PNITA supports strong, bilateral efforts to reform China currency policy, but U.S. lawmakers should resist the temptation to legislate a so-called quick solution. West Coast companies and ports will bear the brunt of any unintended consequences of such legislation.

Visas and Export Controls: With the inter-connectedness of the global economy and the speed of technology innovation, there is a growing tension between the needs of U.S. businesses and prudent national security measures. This tension has led to limitations and excessive delays in accessing export licenses for new technology and visas for individuals with highly-specialized skills. PNITA believes that U.S. policy should give significant weight to U.S. companies seeking to enhance domestic research and development by attracting researchers and engineers from around the world. The procedures for approving work visas and export licenses should be expeditious and transparent. Measures to ensure national security need not create unnecessary impediments to U.S.-based R&D and manufacturing.

Export Assistance Programs: In order to ensure a healthy balance of trade with the rest of the world, it is important that U.S. companies continue to find new business opportunities abroad. The U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service helps Northwest businesses learn about new markets and fosters business relationships by connecting our entrepreneurs with manufacturers, distributors, and retailers around the globe. Programs such as the Foreign Agricultural Service, the SBA U.S. Export Assistance Centers, and the Export/Import Bank are also vital in helping businesses and farmers export goods and services abroad. So that these services continue to exist, PNITA supports adequate funding for these programs.

For more information contact Doug Badger at doug@westernstrategies.net.